Psychosocial effects of COVID-19 pandemic on 2020 intake of public health and nursing students at University of Namibia Oshakati campus, Oshana region, Namibia
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Date
2025
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The research project motivation is to determine the psychological and social
repercussions of COVID-19 pandemic on 2020 intake of public health and nursing
students at Oshakati campus of University of Namibia, in Oshana region, Namibia and
identify their coping strategies against psychosocial effects. A project approach of
qualitative in nature was implemented for conducting the study through a
phenomenological study design. Seventeen (17) participants were selected
purposefully from 156 targeted population of public health and nursing students. The
data of the research were collected through a recorded comprehensively interviews of
face-to-face and field notes, manually analysed, and interpreted. Study findings
indicated that psychological and social effects are interrelated aspects which can
influence one another in connection with COVID-19 pandemic. The study finding
shows that stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression are major psychological effects
due to COVID-19 pandemic measures and online study. Poor social interaction and
financial crisis are social effects which contributed to psychological effects as well.
Findings further shows that self-management (physical activities, hobbies, adhere to
regulations, and staying positive), spiritual (religious) and social support (from family
members, friends, and health professionals) was coping mechanisms to overcome
psychosocial effects of COVID-19 pandemic. The study recommended that the
university should establish a policy that addresses the most effective strategies for
managing and strengthen psychosocial support services to students, to maintain
educational continuity and students’ wellbeing during pandemic. It also recommended
that effectively engage in physical activities and positive attitude facilitate students to
maintain normal life over the journey of pandemic
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Health
Keywords
Psychosocial effects, Coping strategies, COVID-19 pandemic, Namibia, University of Namibia